tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post2765886032547305397..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Making BarmbrackUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64113266946920924242009-07-21T00:56:07.112+10:002009-07-21T00:56:07.112+10:00Hi Rhonda - I love your site and read it everyday....Hi Rhonda - I love your site and read it everyday. I have made bread for years but with your inspiration I'm trying different recipes. I have a question for you and all your readers. I have tried all the recipes for laundry soap and dis washer soap and they are disasters! My clothes were not clean and I had an awful ring in my washer. The dishes were coated with white film that I had to scub off. Any ideas? I've tried several recipes? ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72950661433068522982008-08-14T08:46:00.000+10:002008-08-14T08:46:00.000+10:00The bread sounds lovely, I will have to try it, an...The bread sounds lovely, I will have to try it, and the pillow is just beautiful.<BR/>AmyAmy Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12847471571806317804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83722189557778487192008-08-13T15:17:00.000+10:002008-08-13T15:17:00.000+10:00Hi, Rhonda I noticed that someone mentioned a We...Hi, Rhonda<BR/> I noticed that someone mentioned a Welsh Terrier as a possibility if, and when, you start searching for another dog. I finally decided I needed another dog about six months after I lost my blue heeler/border collie mix dog. Well, to make a long story short--I went to one of our animal shelters one Monday morning early and started to walk through the kennel area. Suddenly, my eye caught some movement in the back of a pen and the most beautiful brown eyes looked up at me. At first I thought that he was a Jack Russell mix but have finally figured that he is a Border Terrier mix. Of course, I took him home with me and I've never been sorry for a moment. He is the most mellow dog and he loves to snuggle up to me when I watch the t.v. or sit doing needlework, etc. He doesn't eat a lot so you don't have to worry about over eating like some breeds do. And oh, so intelligent--he picks up things on the floor and gives them to me. I once asked him to go get the dish that had been bumped off the table and he went and got it and brought it to me! I'm sure that some dog will 'find' you. Although that new dog will never replace dear Rosie, he can continue your 'pet' stories through life's journey. Hugs, Aunt Bea <BR/>P.S. Happy Birthday!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65168572176317479702008-08-13T10:56:00.000+10:002008-08-13T10:56:00.000+10:00Rhonda, thank you for the reminder about barm brac...Rhonda, thank you for the reminder about barm brack. I haven't made it since living in Ireland as a teenager (a long time ago, now), but will do so again, now that I have been reminded. You probably know, though maybe some of your readers don't, that barm brack is a traditional All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) treat, and usually has little fortune telling items baked in, like Chiristmas pudding.<BR/><BR/>Many thanks for all you do, and for teaching us about it.<BR/><BR/>UnaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44151408977038022732008-08-13T05:52:00.000+10:002008-08-13T05:52:00.000+10:00Rhonda,I am sorry about your lost, a pet is a memb...Rhonda,<BR/>I am sorry about your lost, a pet is a member of the family. I truly love your blog, I aspire to be you. I stumbled across your page and have been reading for the past few days. Although I am from a large city (Philadelphia, PA-USA) I truly wish I could live a simpler life someday soon. I'll be trying the soap recipies soon. I'll let you know how I make out.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07720279936907218273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43303743442502884612008-08-13T00:28:00.000+10:002008-08-13T00:28:00.000+10:00Happy Belated Birthday Rhonda Jean. Though I read ...Happy Belated Birthday Rhonda Jean. <BR/>Though I read here almost daily, I rarely comment...but today your words were healing. Last week I celebrated my 5oth birthday...which was mostly overlooked by family and friends...but even before the dreaded day, I was overly anxious. Reflecting on my accomplishments, or lack thereof, and thinking about my own mortality became the forefront of daily thought. Reading your post, I realize that I must move on to a better attitude toward my life. "I am what I am!" Thank you so very much...this is exactly what I needed to read today.anajzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795297435621647487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56967010339661200012008-08-12T23:46:00.000+10:002008-08-12T23:46:00.000+10:00I found your blog a few weeks ago and I am so than...I found your blog a few weeks ago and I am so thankful that I did. <BR/><BR/>I am now in the process of crocheting dish clothes and hot pads. Just loads of them. When we finally get our house built I want to do away with paper towels completely.<BR/><BR/>I have learned so much from your blog and am about the same age as you, 58. We retired to a limited income and are building a little house in the woods and will have our gardens started next summer etc. and chickens. <BR/><BR/>When I worked, I shopped. Now I am learning that "I am who I am", also. ;o)<BR/><BR/>Thanks so much. I look forward to your blog everyday.Jennlalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13343493554849575814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54512532967171854542008-08-12T23:40:00.000+10:002008-08-12T23:40:00.000+10:00Rhonda: just to let you know, with rice bags - and...Rhonda: just to let you know, with rice bags - and i guess, with wheat or oat bags - there is the risk in the long run of fires.. the rice/wheat/oats dry out after repeated microwavings and eventually they start to smoulder. Apparently there have been bed fires caused by people using bags to heat through their beds. The way to stop it happening is to either lightly spritz the bag with water every time you nuke it, or put a cup in with the bag so that the microwave gets full of steam. Either will stop the contents drying out to the point where they're as dry as dust and the fire risk goes up considerably.<BR/><BR/>If you knew all this, forgive me, just thought i should mention it.. <BR/><BR/>keth<BR/>xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23578660116350150282008-08-12T22:48:00.000+10:002008-08-12T22:48:00.000+10:00Hi RhondaSo sorry to read of Rosie. May your memor...Hi Rhonda<BR/>So sorry to read of Rosie. May your memories of the good times with her ease your loss. It's amazing how dogs become one of the family.<BR/>Just love the cushion your sister made for you. How special that Tricia spent the time & effort in creating it for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57844727777955585362008-08-12T21:06:00.000+10:002008-08-12T21:06:00.000+10:00That bread looks delicious! I'll try it when there...That bread looks delicious! I'll try it when there's time. <BR/>I thought right that you were making dishcloths. Looking forward to your post about knitting. I'm horrible at it but that frustrates me a lot, so I'm eager to learn!<BR/>I've always heard Corgis are exceptionally smart and very interesting dogs and I really think it would make a great match, you might be a Corgi type. But you'll know it in your heart when and what doggy it will be, I'm sure!<BR/><BR/>Christine from the NLChristinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11078340690256967729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85605265419048845102008-08-12T21:00:00.000+10:002008-08-12T21:00:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda! I had no idea when you had a birthday. ...Hi Rhonda! I had no idea when you had a birthday. I believe each season of life has its beauty. I loved being a carefree single young woman, and a new bride, and now I love being pregnant. I'm sure I'm going to love motherhood, and all the different phases of it!<BR/><BR/>This recipe looks delicious. We always bake bread by hand - my husband looks so cute when he kneads. I'll have to try this one when we can get raisins cheaply.Mrs. Anna Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15377583333000789903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19005442954776143622008-08-12T19:33:00.000+10:002008-08-12T19:33:00.000+10:00The Barmbrack is pretty well identical to our Wels...The Barmbrack is pretty well identical to our Welsh Bara Brith - you've put me in mind to make some now. Must put the kettle on!<BR/><BR/>I hope that you will be able to find a dog in the pound who will fit in with you just fine and dandy, though you will be mourning Rosie for a while yet. I took in an old Whippet lurcher a few years back, when he must have been 12 or so. Barney had a couple of years with us before it was his time to leave. Now we have my mum's old dog Trixie, who also came from the pound when she was only a year or two old. Now she must be 14 or so, and going blind and doddery, poor old girl.<BR/><BR/>I absolutely LOVE that embroidery your sister made for you - certainly something to cherish. It's SO colourful and pretty. If you look on my blog, I have just posted photos of some absolute heirloom pieces of embroidery which I got at an auction at the weekend - I knew that I HAD to have them, and they will be much treasured by me. I am now inspired to make an heirloom piece for each of my two daughters and having a great time trying to chose what I will sew.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62109894749991773982008-08-12T19:22:00.000+10:002008-08-12T19:22:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda, I am really sorry to hear about Rosie, ...Hi Rhonda, I am really sorry to hear about Rosie, I know how you feel as I had to put my beautiful little dog to sleep a few years ago, suffering from the same thing as Rosie. I still miss her. Hope you find another one soon, to help fill part of the hole in your life.<BR/><BR/>Would it be possible for you to advise me how to make the barmbrack without a bread machine, please? Sadly, I need to be led by the hand as I am a complete novice when it comes to breadmaking, but I really want to try this one. Only ever made one loaf of bread before and it was a quick recipe with no kneading. <BR/><BR/>That stitchery is just fantastic.!<BR/>I love your blog. Every day there is something to cheer me up.<BR/><BR/>Cheers<BR/><BR/>KerrieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-595847827398036682008-08-12T14:56:00.000+10:002008-08-12T14:56:00.000+10:00hi Rhondathought since i have been lurking on your...hi Rhonda<BR/>thought since i have been lurking on your site for a good while i should say hello and of course thank you. I first came across your advice/tips/recipes on the als site 3 years ago and you did inspire me to take a good long look at the way i was living....which believe me was not a true life. Anyway to cut a long story short i love your site and i love hearing about your days. You have many friends in cyber space that are thinking of you at this time.<BR/><BR/>mary dollAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4972568907776822992008-08-12T14:45:00.000+10:002008-08-12T14:45:00.000+10:00Oh gosh I love that stitchery!!! I may try the br...Oh gosh I love that stitchery!!! I may try the bread too...I am a little leery of fruit in bread, but I have made the same bread for the last 3 days and am looking for something different. Thanks for posting it!<BR/><BR/>KrisGrandma Tillie's Bakeryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04347610921670487366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16263334524708886992008-08-12T12:02:00.000+10:002008-08-12T12:02:00.000+10:00Thanks so much for the heat bag hints Rhonda! I fe...Thanks so much for the heat bag hints Rhonda! I feel so special! <BR/><BR/>The lovely cushion your dear sis' made is just it and a bit! I love it and can sense how many hours and much love is sewn into it! It looks so comfy and warm too. <BR/><BR/>Enjoy<BR/><BR/>Lynette from Adelaide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67609255159354054272008-08-12T11:55:00.000+10:002008-08-12T11:55:00.000+10:00The Barmbrack looks yummy. Definitely a fall/wint...The Barmbrack looks yummy. Definitely a fall/winter recipe though I think it may test my skills. I've never made bread other than in a bread machine, thus no yeast mixing/rising etc. <BR/><BR/>Rhonda, I cannot stress how much your life and blogs have made such an impact on my life. I have been saving old clothes for about a year now hoping that one day I would make rags out of them. So yesterday I pulled out my sewing machine. I started and quickly stopped as something jammed. I have no idea what I'm doing but I'm going to give it a whirl. No Martha Stewart in this home! <BR/><BR/>I don't know about in Australia, but here in the States the rampant consumerism feeds perceived perfection and I have never liked it. Even as a kid I had a difficult time making a Christmas wish list as I felt guilty about asking for something that I didn't need. <BR/>I'll be 35 this year and I feel like an oddball. I garden, freeze my harvest, attempt to sew, don't shop except for essentials, shop for kids clothes at the local Goodwill and staples at the grocery store rather than the mall and big box store but yet I'm content with my life. I don't strive to see the latest movie or gossip about celebrities. <BR/><BR/>I've never had a role model that valued these things. This evening my mom once again said she doesn't understand why anyone would want to can when it's so much easier to go to the store and buy the same thing.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46755826417659455392008-08-12T10:50:00.000+10:002008-08-12T10:50:00.000+10:00Rhonda,Thanks for the recipe; I have never made it...Rhonda,<BR/>Thanks for the recipe; I have never made it but as soon as it gets cooler here I'd like to turn on my oven and try it.<BR/>Thanks for sharing with us in the way you do, even during this time. Good luck as you decide what to do about getting your 2nd<BR/>dog.<BR/>MimMimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13430084640185906974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19846578858760964072008-08-12T10:28:00.000+10:002008-08-12T10:28:00.000+10:00Mm, barmbrack. I just bookmarked a recipe to try i...Mm, barmbrack. I just bookmarked a recipe to try it but yours sounds better.<BR/>Thanks for posting it.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16946596478777714333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36757410566096499342008-08-12T09:31:00.000+10:002008-08-12T09:31:00.000+10:00Ah, barmbrack. Takes me straight into a Maeve Binc...Ah, barmbrack. Takes me straight into a Maeve Binchy novel.<BR/><BR/>I look forward to trying this one.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14751315680374413649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67200562765993190222008-08-12T09:15:00.000+10:002008-08-12T09:15:00.000+10:00Hi Rhonda;I have been visiting your blog for about...Hi Rhonda;<BR/>I have been visiting your blog for about a year. Just a note to say sorry about your loss. The right dog will come along when you are ready. I have 2 and one of them is a Lakeland Terrier, she only weighs 12 lbs, she is a rescue dog, that has come with some issues. My heart goes out to the two of you. Still enjoying your blog:)Alexiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788099869497416916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27156106583244864062008-08-12T08:52:00.000+10:002008-08-12T08:52:00.000+10:00I don't have the dried fruit on hand or I'd make t...I don't have the dried fruit on hand or I'd make the bread tomorrow. It looks and sounds so good! I love a slice of toasted bread with my afternoon coffee.<BR/><BR/>The stitchery is darling. What a wonderful blessing from your sister, and what a cherished pillow that will be.Rennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03628198694622790891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47623857136564835722008-08-12T07:55:00.000+10:002008-08-12T07:55:00.000+10:00Happy birthday from another birthday girl. Great r...Happy birthday from another birthday girl. Great recipe - how did you know I have a morning tea to go to tomorrow and didn't know what to take?<BR/>Take care<BR/>SueSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11267604566635468971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64028877418159294432008-08-12T07:49:00.000+10:002008-08-12T07:49:00.000+10:00Barmbrack looks scrumptious. I must try it. And ...Barmbrack looks scrumptious. I must try it. And it has the added benefit of being energy food:) <BR/><BR/>My husband and I have never actually chosen a dog ourselves I don't think. We currently have a border collie, a blue heeler, and a chihuahua - all of whom were left with "grandma and grandpa" while their owners (our daughters) were away to school. We wouldn't part with them now, of course, but all the girls know that we're not taking any more in!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62867038659543976452008-08-12T07:48:00.000+10:002008-08-12T07:48:00.000+10:00Rhonda, Thank you! Your explanation is perfect. My...Rhonda, <BR/><BR/>Thank you! Your explanation is perfect. My first batch used solid oils, and when I went to stamp after unmolding, it was just too hard.<BR/><BR/>I'm excited to try again--my husband is building me two new wooden moulds this weekend!Amber@OneMammahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04679942693832561871noreply@blogger.com